In preparation for his long-awaited return the Rays optioned Will Rhymes to Triple-A, clearing a roster spot for Longoria to come off the disabled list.

Tampa Bay was 15-8 when Longoria went down on April 30, but has gone just 41-44 since then while using seven different players at third base.

Longoria previously tried to come back in June, but experienced a setback while rehabbing in the minors and had to be shut down again. This time around he played eight games at Triple-A, going 5-for-25 (.200) with seven walks and zero extra-base hits. He also admitted to feeling hamstring soreness as recently as two days ago, so the Rays will definitely have to keep a close eye on Longoria down the stretch.